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To make this tasty dessert, gather these items: - 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - A pinch of salt You will need some basic tools to create this dish: - A 9-inch square baking dish - Two mixing bowls - A pastry cutter or your fingers for mixing - A cutting board and knife Feel free to get creative! You can add: - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch - Raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness - A splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor - A sprinkle of oats or coconut for a twist This classic dish is all about the apples and the crumble. The simple ingredients make it fun to prepare! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Next, take four large apples. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their tartness. Peel, core, and slice them. In a large bowl, mix the apple slices with one tablespoon of lemon juice. This keeps the apples fresh and bright. Add half a cup of packed brown sugar, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the apples are well coated. Spread this mixture evenly into your greased baking dish. In another bowl, combine one cup of rolled oats, half a cup of all-purpose flour, and a quarter cup of granulated sugar. Don’t forget a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. Now, add half a cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients. Keep mixing until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This crumbly texture will create a wonderful topping. Once your crumble topping is ready, sprinkle it evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You'll know it’s done when the apples bubble and the crumble turns golden brown. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This wait makes it easier to serve. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this classic dessert! Choose apples that are firm and crisp. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites. They balance sweet and tart flavors well. This mix gives your crumble depth and taste. Look for apples with bright skin and no bruises. Fresh apples make a big difference in flavor. The key to a great crumble is the texture. Mix your dry ingredients well. Use cold butter to keep the crumble light. Cut the butter into small pieces before mixing. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. Avoid over-mixing. This helps create that crunchy topping we all love. Serve your apple crumble warm for the best taste. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a classic choice. It melts slightly and adds creaminess. You can also use whipped cream or custard. For a twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the crumble. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet apples like Honeycrisp. Keep the Butter Cold: Ensure your butter is cold when mixing it into the dry ingredients for a flakier crumble topping. Let It Rest: Allow the crumble to cool for a few minutes after baking to help the filling set, making it easier to serve. Serve with Ice Cream: Enhance the dessert experience by serving warm apple crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. {{image_2}} To make a gluten-free apple crumble, swap the all-purpose flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These options give you a similar texture. You still get that classic taste with no gluten. Just be sure to check the oats. They must be certified gluten-free. You can easily make this recipe vegan. Replace the cold unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. This keeps the crumble rich and tasty. Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. It adds a lovely depth. Your dessert will be just as delightful without animal products. Want to spice things up? Add some dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. They bring a nice chew. Try mixing in nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch. A splash of vanilla extract boosts the flavor too. You can even add a pinch of ginger for a warm kick. To store leftover apple crumble, let it cool first. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps the crumble fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option! When you’re ready to eat your leftover apple crumble, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crumble in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you like a crispier top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. Enjoy that warm, cozy dessert again! To freeze apple crumble, make sure it’s completely cooled. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Put the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps your crumble safe for up to three months. When you’re ready, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating! Yes, you can use different apples for this recipe. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites. They offer a nice mix of tartness and sweetness. Other good options include Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Just remember, the apple should be firm. This keeps the filling from becoming too mushy when baked. If you want to skip butter, try coconut oil or vegan butter. Both options work well and add a nice flavor. You can also use applesauce for a lighter topping. Just make sure to adjust the amount in the recipe so the texture stays right. You can tell the crumble is done when it looks golden brown. The apples will start bubbling on the edges. Bake for about 35-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C). If you're not sure, insert a fork into the apples. They should feel tender but not mushy. This article covered how to make a classic baked apple crumble. You learned about the best apples, how to prepare them, and create a tasty crumble. Remember the tips for texture and serving ideas. You can also explore variations like gluten-free or vegan options. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers later. With this guide, you can bake with confidence. Enjoy your homemade crumble, and share it with friends and family for great moments!

Classic Baked Apple Crumble

A delicious dessert featuring baked apples topped with a crumbly oat mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until the apples are well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Add the cubed cold butter to the oat mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples in the baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the crumble is golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Keyword apple, baked, crumble, dessert